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Also absent was cornerback Travis Fisher (hamstring) and offensive tackle Will Robinson (unspecified).

Mora said this week’s game will serve as a final opportunity to evaluate guys on the bubble, with the first unit likely seeing limited time.

“I always think it’s an exciting preseason game to go to because in that second half you’re seeing some guys that are just playing for their livelihood,” Mora said about the final preseason game. “I mean just scratching to make the team, and that passion comes out and there’s some great energy on the field.”

As far as the kicking competition between Olindo Mare and Brandon Coutu, Mora rolled out the clichés again on Monday.

“It’s very close,” he said. “I mean it’s neck and neck, how about that? Instead of very close I’ll give you neck and neck.”

Mora did say that we might see veteran Edgerrin James play a few plays on Thursday, depending on if James wants to play. James saw a little more action during team drills this afternoon and was moving well.

One person that is expected to play a couple series is rookie linebacker Aaron Curry. The Wake Forest product missed the second preseason game because of a slight groin strain, so Mora would like to see him get some reps on Thursday before playing in his first regular-season game.

“I thought he played well,” Mora said about Curry’s effort against Kansas City last week. “He plays fast. He plays physical. He’s very smart. He learns quickly. He’ll get some reps Thursday night because he needs it.”

Trufant was not at practice today, and Mora said the decision on whether or not to keep him on the PUP list for the first six weeks of the season will likely come down to the final cut day on Saturday.

If Trufant ends up on the PUP then his spot does not count against the 53-man roster.

“It’s a tough decision with a lot of things that go into it,” Mora said about whether or not to put Trufant on the active roster. “Is he going to be ready for the second game and not the first, or the third and not the first or second? How do you do that? So we’re going to have to think long and hard about that one as a staff.”

Kelly Jennings continued his good play from over the weekend, finishing with back-to-back interceptions during two-minute drill at the end of practice. Both were against receiver Mike Hass.

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